Scattery Island
Inis Cathaigh
An uninhabited island in the Shannon Estuary, where the monastery ruins founded by St Senan in the 6th century and one of Ireland's tallest round towers are well preserved.
St Senan founded a monastery on Scattery Island in the 6th century. It became an important religious center and was raided repeatedly by Vikings. The surviving features include a round tower about 36 m high, one of the tallest in Ireland, with its doorway unusually at ground level; the remains of several medieval churches, including St Mary's Cathedral; a holy well; and 19th-century gun batteries and a lighthouse. The islanders all moved away in the 1970s, leaving empty cottages behind. A ferry from Kilrush Pier takes about 20 minutes. Sailings depend on the tides, with boats running daily in summer, and booking in advance is required. The island has a visitor center and OPW (Office of Public Works) guided tours in summer. Walking around the island takes about 2 hours. There are no shops on the island, so bring your own drinking water and food.
Opening hours
About April–September, depending on ferry schedule
Nearby sights
- Vandeleur Walled Garden
- Kilkee Bay (Moore Bay)
- Pollock Holes
- Kilkee Cliff Walk
- Carrigaholt Castle
- Shannon Dolphin Watching (Carrigaholt)
- Church of the Little Ark
- Bridges of Ross